Hope from the Valley

More than two decades ago, a close friend invited me to visit the Yuva Kendra at Chinmaya Mission. As I walked into the room filled with youngsters, a quote displayed on the wall caught my attention. It was a message from Swami Chinmayanandaji, ‘Youth are not useless; they are used less. Youth are not careless; they are cared less.’ Those words deeply moved me. For the first time, I felt that here was someone who truly understood the youth, their energy, their struggles, and their untapped potential. Inspired by this message, I decided to join the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, feeling that I had finally found a space where the voices and spirits of young people were genuinely recognised. At that time, I appreciated the wisdom of the statement, but I did not fully understand its depth. Over the years, however, I have seen countless examples that bring those words to life. Recently, the remarkable victory of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final reminded me of Gurudev’s words. For decades, Jammu and Kashmir has lived under circumstances that most young people elsewhere in the country cannot easily imagine. Political tensions, uncertainty, and prolonged instability have shaped everyday life for an entire generation. Opportunities for sport, infrastructure, and consistent training have often been limited. Yet, in the midst of all these challenges, a group of young cricketers quietly nurtured a dream. And when the moment arrived, they rose to the occasion.Their victory over Karnataka was not just another domestic cricket result. Karnataka has long been one of the strongest sides in Indian domestic cricket, producing players who have represented India on the international stage. Facing such a seasoned team, Jammu and Kashmir entered the match as underdogs in every sense. But sport has a way of bringing out the best in people. The young players from Jammu and Kashmir played with courage, discipline, and belief. They did not carry the burden of being underdogs; instead, they carried the hunger of a generation that had waited for an opportunity to be seen. Every run scored, every wicket taken, and every fielding effort reflected the determination that had been built over years of quiet perseverance..Their win is never just about cricket. This win can be the beginning of one of the greatest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. In many ways, the story of Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph reflects a larger truth about our nation. India is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. Within our villages, towns, and cities lies an enormous reservoir of energy, creativity, and potential. Yet that potential often remains untapped - not because the youth lack ability, but because they lack platforms, mentorship, and sustained encouragement.Gurudev’s words echo even more strongly today: youth are not useless; they are simply used less.The victory of the Jammu and Kashmir team serves as a reminder of what can happen when young people are given a chance to believe in themselves. When talent meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen. If a team emerging from a region that has faced decades of turbulence can rise to defeat one of the most established sides in domestic cricket, imagine what millions of young Indians across the country can achieve when their energy is properly channelled and their aspirations nurtured.In the end, this victory is not just a sporting milestone. It is an awakening.

Hope from the Valley

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